Adjustable deck system for cargo compartment
A deck system for cargo compartment may including one or more of the following features: a first deck; a second deck, where at least one of the first deck and the second deck divide the cargo compartment into an upper sub-compartment and a lower sub-compartment; and an actuator that is mechanically coupled to the second deck, where operation of the actuator causes at least a portion of the second deck to move vertically relative to the first deck within the cargo compartment.
Latest ANCRA INTERNATIONAL, LLC Patents:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/161,641, filed Mar. 16, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis disclosure relates to decking systems for use in supporting freight in a vehicle compartment along with methods for using the same.
BACKGROUNDIn vehicles employed for handling freight, such as trucks, aircraft and railroad cars, it is often desirable to provide beams, decks, or shelves to support various cargo items. For example, truck trailers may include a cargo compartment for hauling various cargo, and it may be desirable to include a deck within the cargo compartment to increase the storage capacity for various cargo types. The present disclosure relates to improved decks and deck systems that can be moved or otherwise adjusted to manipulate the size of sub-compartments within the cargo compartment, assist with loading, and perform various other functions.
Certain features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed embodiments are shown in the drawings accompanying this description. The drawings are briefly described below.
The present embodiments are described with reference to the drawings in which like elements are referred to by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of this invention are better understood from the following detailed description. However, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that in certain instances, details have been omitted which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional fabrication and assembly.
The sizes of the sub-compartments may be adjusted by moving the first deck 104 and/or the second deck 106 vertically. As shown in
While one adjustable deck system is shown, it is contemplated that the trailer 100 could include two or more adjustable deck systems (vertically stacked) for further compartmentalizing the trailer 100. For example, if more than two sub-compartments are desired, two or more adjustable deck systems may be included.
At least one deck of the adjustable deck system 102 may be rotatable to form a ramp. For example,
Advantageously, the access to the upper sub-compartment 110 provided by the ramp 130 may allow for easy and efficient loading of the upper sub-compartment 110. In the instance of loading powersport vehicles 137 (e.g., golf carts, side-by-side off road vehicles, four-wheelers, motorcycles, etc.) as shown in the present example, the vehicles 137 may be wheeled through the door 132 and directly up the ramp 130. Once loading of the upper sub-compartment 110 is complete (perhaps with cargo still on the ramp 130), the second deck 106 may be manipulated into a horizontal orientation shown in
As shown in
Referring to
In the depicted embodiment, a first horizontal support 166, which in this case is a roller bar or roller tube, extends from the sliding foot 154 and provides vertical support for the second deck 106. Optionally, the first horizontal support 166 may directly connect to the sliding foot 154 (i.e., via direct contact). An opposite end of the first horizontal support 166 may be coupled to a separate sliding foot on the opposite wall of the trailer 100, for example. During adjustment of the deck system 102, the sliding foot 154 may control the vertical position of the first horizontal support 166. That is, when the sliding foot 154 moves vertically, the first horizontal support 166 also moves vertically causing movement of the second deck 106. Typically, the longitudinal axis of the first horizontal support 166 will remain horizontal throughout its movement, but this is not required in all circumstances.
Optionally, the first horizontal support 166 may be rotatable relative to the sliding foot 154 about its longitudinal axis, which may be particularly advantageous when the first horizontal support 166 is fixed relative to the underside of the second deck 106. In other embodiments, the first horizontal support 166 may be substantially or completely fixed relative to the sliding foot 154 (e.g., where the second deck 106 may be rotatable/slideable relative to the first horizontal support 166).
A second slot 170 may be located at the second end 136 of the second deck 106, which may be located closest to a trailer door. The second slot 170 may receive a second horizontal support 172 for providing vertical support of the second end 136. In contrast to the first slot 168, the second slot 170 may be defined by a cutout that is substantially larger than a cross-sectional dimension of the second horizontal support 172. Thus, the second horizontal support 172 may be capable of sliding within the second slot 170 in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the top surface 118 of the second deck 106.
By contrast, the first horizontal support 166 and the second horizontal support 172 are offset vertically when the second deck 106 forms a ramp, as shown in
Additional slots in the second deck 106 may be included with varying lengths, as appropriate. For example, referring back to
Optionally, the deck system 102 may include one or more fastening device to fix one or more decks in place. Without limitation, one such fastening device may be a solenoid 176 coupled to a deck (in this case the second deck 106) as shown in
The solenoid 176 may be coupled (e.g., fixed) to a bracket 188 that is slideable within the vertical track 184 of the wall 158 (e.g., in a manner similar to the sliding foot 154 discussed above). Thus, as the second deck 106 moves vertically, the solenoid 176 can move vertically along with it. Optionally, it is contemplated that the bracket 188 may be integral with, fixed to, and/or the same component as the sliding foot 154 discussed above, but this is not the case in the depicted embodiment.
In addition, the solenoid 176 may be movable along the second deck 106 in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the top surface 118 of the second deck 106. Since the solenoid 176 may be fixed in the horizontal direction due to the vertical nature of the track 184, such a feature may be advantageous where the second deck 106 is capable of rotating (e.g., for reasons similar to those discussed above with respect to the second horizontal support 172 with reference to
In some embodiments, a single control system may jointly control the actuators 144 (
In addition, it is contemplated that the ramp may involve more or less than the two decks 206. For example, if a relatively steep ramp is desired, one deck 206 may be used to form the ramp. If a less steep ramp is desired, two or more decks 206 (and/or decks 204) may be used to form the ramp. It is contemplated that any of the decks 204 and/or 206 may be capable of forming a portion of a ramp at any suitable location within the cargo trailer 200. Also, while the decks 204 and 206 are depicted as being different sizes, this is not required. However, it may be advantageous to optimize the size of the decks 206 and/or 204 such that the dimensions of the ramp are suitable for particular functions (e.g., appropriate for receiving a wheeled vehicle).
In other applications (e.g., when a deck may be capable of ramping as discussed above), a roller may be desired to further enhance the movement of feet along the cargo compartment walls. For example, as shown in
Having described various aspects of the subject matter above, additional disclosure is provided below that may be consistent with the claims originally filed with this disclosure. A first general includes a deck system for cargo compartment, including one or more of the following: a first deck; a second deck, where at least one of the first deck and the second deck divide the cargo compartment into an upper sub-compartment and a lower sub-compartment; and an actuator that is mechanically coupled to the second deck, where operation of the actuator causes at least a portion of the second deck to move vertically relative to the first deck within the cargo compartment.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The deck system where a junction is located between the first deck and the second deck, and where the second deck is rotatable about a pivot point at or adjacent to the junction. The deck system where operation of the actuator causes the second deck to rotate relative to the first deck such that the second deck is movable between a horizontal orientation and a ramped orientation. The deck system where the second deck includes a horizontal state and a ramped state, and where actuation of the actuator causes movement of the second deck between the horizontal state and the ramped state. The deck system where the second deck is configured to move from the horizontal state to the ramped state while cargo is located on the second deck. The deck system where the second deck includes a first slot on a first side of the second deck, the first side being adjacent to a junction between the first deck and the second deck, and where the first slot receives a first horizontal support extending on an underside of the second deck. The deck system where the second deck includes a second slot on a second side of the second deck, the second slot receiving a second horizontal support that extends on an underside of the second deck, the second horizontal support being substantially parallel to the first horizontal support, where the second slot includes a length that is longer than a length of the first slot, and where the length of the second slot accommodates a relative displacement between the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support when the second deck moves between a horizontal state and a ramped state. The deck system where the actuator includes a chain drive and a single chain leg that extends from the chain drive to the second deck. The deck system where the actuator is coupled to a sliding foot, the sliding foot being fixed relative to the second deck in at least the vertical direction, and where the sliding foot is fixed in the horizontal direction relative to a wall of the cargo compartment. The deck system where the sliding foot is coupled to a vertical track in the wall of the cargo compartment, and where the sliding foot is coupled to a roller configured for movement within a c-track. The deck system where the sliding foot is directly connected to a first horizontal support extending on an underside of the second deck. The deck system where a solenoid is coupled to the second deck and configured to operate a latch that locks the second deck in at least the vertical direction when in a locked state. The deck system where the solenoid is coupled to a track extending along the second deck such that the solenoid is movable relative to the second deck in a direction parallel to a plane defined by a top surface of the second deck. The deck system where a plurality of first decks are included, each first deck of the plurality of first decks being independently controllable.
A second general aspect include a deck system for cargo compartment, including one or more of the following features: a deck configured to divide the cargo compartment into an upper sub-compartment and a lower sub-compartment; an actuator that is mechanically coupled to the deck, a fastening device mechanically coupled to a latch; and a control system electrically connected to each of the actuator and the fastening device, where the actuator is configured to control the fastening device and the actuator such that the deck is movable between a horizontal orientation and a ramped orientation.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The fastening device may include a solenoid, the solenoid being configured to move the latch between a locked position and an unlocked position. The deck system where the actuator includes a chain drive, the chain drive including at least one chain leg that controls a vertical position of the deck.
A third general aspect includes a deck for supporting cargo in a cargo compartment, including one or more of the following: a first slot, the first slot being configured to receive a first horizontal support extending on an underside of the deck; and a second slot, the second slot being configured to receive a second horizontal support extending on the underside of the deck, where the first horizontal support is substantially parallel to the second horizontal support, and where a first length of the first slot is smaller than a second length of the second slot.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The deck where the length of the first slot and the length of the second slot extend in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first horizontal support. The deck where an intervening slot is located between the first slot and the second slot, and where a length of the intervening slot is larger than the first length but smaller than the second length.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Moreover, the advantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the invention and it is not necessarily expected that every embodiment of the invention will achieve all of the advantages described.
Claims
1. A deck system for cargo
- compartment, comprising:
- a first deck;
- a second deck that is adjustable between a horizontal orientation and a ramped orientation;
- the second deck comprising: a first end positioned closer to the first deck and an opposing second end positioned away from the first deck; and a support rail extending between the first end and the second end;
- a first rail support positioned near the first end, wherein the second deck pivots relative to the first rail support when moving between the horizontal configuration and the ramped configuration; and wherein the first rail support is vertically and horizontally fixed relative to the second deck;
- a second rail support positioned between the first rail support and the second end, wherein the second rail support is configured to horizontally traverse relative to the support rail when the second deck moves between the horizontal configuration and the ramped configuration; and
- an actuator that is mechanically coupled to the second deck, wherein operation of the actuator causes at least a portion of the second deck to move vertically relative to the first deck within the cargo compartment.
2. The deck system of claim 1, wherein a junction is located between the first deck and the second deck, and wherein the second deck is rotatable about the first rail support at or adjacent to the junction.
3. The deck system of claim 2, wherein operation of the actuator causes the second deck to rotate relative to the first deck such that the second deck is movable between a horizontal orientation and a ramped orientation.
4. The deck system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is operatively coupled to the first rail support and wherein the deck system further comprises a second actuator operatively coupled to the second rail support.
5. The deck system of claim 1, wherein the second rail support comprises a roller positioned on an underneath side of the support rail.
6. The deck system of claim 1, wherein the second deck includes a first slot on a first side of the second deck, the first side being adjacent to a junction between the first deck and the second deck, and wherein the first slot receives a first horizontal support extending on an underside of the second deck.
7. The deck system of claim 6, wherein the second deck includes a second slot on a second side of the second deck, the second slot receiving a second horizontal support that extends on an underside of the second deck, the second horizontal support being substantially parallel to the first horizontal support, wherein the second slot includes a length that is longer than a length of the first slot, and wherein the length of the second slot accommodates a relative displacement between the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support when the second deck moves between a horizontal state and a ramped state.
8. The deck system of 5, wherein the first rail support comprises a roller positioned in an opening in the support rail.
9. The deck system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is coupled to a sliding foot, the sliding foot being fixed relative to the second deck in at least the vertical direction, and wherein the sliding foot is fixed in the horizontal direction relative to a wall of the cargo compartment.
10. The deck system of claim 9, wherein the sliding foot is coupled to a vertical track that includes vertical walls spaced apart by a depth and that is coupled to the wall of the cargo compartment, and wherein the sliding foot is coupled to a roller that is retained between the vertical walls, that includes a diameter smaller than the depth, and that is configured to move relative to the vertical walls.
11. The deck system of claim 9, wherein the sliding foot is directly connected to a first horizontal support extending on an underside of the second deck.
12. The deck system of claim 11, wherein the first horizontal support is an upper roller, and wherein the sliding foot is also connected to a lower roller that extends parallel to the upper roller.
13. The deck system of claim 9 further comprising, a fastening device comprising a second actuator operatively coupled to a latch that locks the second deck in at least the vertical direction when in a locked state; and a single control system configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator.
14. The deck system of claim 13, wherein the single control system is configured to send a first signal to the actuator to affect a vertical position of the sliding foot and a second signal to the fastening device to lock or unlock the latch.
15. A deck system for cargo compartment, comprising:
- a deck that is adjustable between a horizontal orientation and a ramped orientation;
- the deck comprising: a first end positioned closer to a front of the cargo compartment and an opposing second end positioned towards a rear of the cargo compartment; and a support rail extending between the first end and the second end;
- a first rail support positioned near the first end, wherein the deck pivots relative to the first rail support when moving between the horizontal configuration and the ramped configuration; and wherein the first rail support is vertically and horizontally fixed relative to the deck;
- a second rail support positioned between the first rail support and the second end, wherein the second rail support is configured to horizontally traverse relative to the support rail when the deck moves between the horizontal configuration and the ramped configuration;
- a first actuator that is operatively coupled to the first rail support;
- a second actuator that is operatively coupled to the second rail support; and
- a control system electrically connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, such that the first actuator and the second actuator are controllable independently of one another.
16. The deck system of claim 15 further comprising, a first sliding foot coupled to the first rail support and to the first actuator; and a second sliding foot coupled to the second rail support and to the second actuator.
17. The deck system of claim 16, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator each includes a chain drive, the chain drive including at least one chain leg that controls a vertical position of the deck.
18. A deck for supporting cargo in a cargo compartment, comprising:
- a first slot, the first slot being configured to receive a first horizontal support extending on an underside of the deck; and
- a second slot, the second slot being configured to receive a second horizontal support extending on the underside of the deck, where the first horizontal support is substantially parallel to the second horizontal support, and
- wherein a first length of the first slot is smaller than a second length of the second slot.
19. The deck of claim 18, wherein the length of the first slot and the length of the second slot extend in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first horizontal support.
20. The deck of claim 18, wherein an intervening slot is located between the first slot and the second slot, and wherein a length of the intervening slot is larger than the first length but smaller than the second length.
2137981 | November 1938 | Nightingale |
2251358 | August 1941 | Judd et al. |
2424862 | July 1947 | Stuart |
2461927 | February 1949 | Schaldach et al. |
4701086 | October 20, 1987 | Thorndyke |
4786222 | November 22, 1988 | Blodgett |
4801229 | January 31, 1989 | Hanada |
4966510 | October 30, 1990 | Johnson, Jr. |
5106246 | April 21, 1992 | Chance |
5527138 | June 18, 1996 | Flores et al. |
5730578 | March 24, 1998 | Smidler |
6283040 | September 4, 2001 | Lewin |
6368034 | April 9, 2002 | Frye |
6382358 | May 7, 2002 | Kritzer |
6524055 | February 25, 2003 | Overbye |
7625163 | December 1, 2009 | Kuenzli |
7665788 | February 23, 2010 | Dibdin |
8123282 | February 28, 2012 | Miller |
9776547 | October 3, 2017 | Lin |
10800311 | October 13, 2020 | Roth et al. |
20030035695 | February 20, 2003 | Blackmon |
20180118408 | May 3, 2018 | Bradley |
20190291628 | September 26, 2019 | Cerocchi |
20210070592 | March 11, 2021 | Schwartz |
- Office Action received for Canadian Patent Application No. 3152409, dated Oct. 6, 2023, 4 pages.
Type: Grant
Filed: Mar 16, 2022
Date of Patent: Feb 20, 2024
Patent Publication Number: 20220297587
Assignee: ANCRA INTERNATIONAL, LLC (Hebron, KY)
Inventors: Gregory Alan Kauffman (Cincinnati, OH), Jerome Thomas Jones (Independence, KY), Matthew James Rommel (Independence, KY)
Primary Examiner: Kaitlin S Joerger
Application Number: 17/696,026
International Classification: B60P 1/43 (20060101); B60P 3/08 (20060101); B60P 3/00 (20060101);